I sucked at emotions until I learned this
Mar 27, 2022 12:31 pm
My therapist once pressed me on “feeling emotions” and I was caught off guard.
Therapist: “How does that make you feel?”
Me: “Uhh yeah it’s fine” (inserts some positive spin)
Therapist: (not settling for my diplomacy) “What are 3 specific emotion words you feel?”
Me:
Ha I had nothing. Literally no words.
I liked my emotions like my water. Bottled.
But then I learned a framework (shared below) on how to connect to them.
So this week we’re connecting to emotions, baby.
😀 Joy
My favorite thing I discovered this week was this playlist.
I bookmarked it and jammed out every morning with my iced coffee.
Caution: only play this if you’re ready to feel amazing and be productive af.
I sucked at understanding emotions until I discovered this framework:
Stimulus → Emotions → Why → Alternative
Ex: When (stimulus) happened. It made me feel (3 emotions) because (why). I’d prefer (alternative).
Hint: once you define the “why” of the emotion, you spot what’s really happening. Try it out.
Also, the wheel of emotional words can help uncover how you feel.
😅 Ease
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” - Buddha
🧘♂️ Warm
Here’s a guided meditation to relax before bed.
It’s like a comfy cloud for your mind to settle after a long (over-caffeinated) day.
Try it tonight and let me know what you think.
With Joy,
Mitchell
Ps. For life advice from kindergartners call 707-998-8410.